Iran (Persia)

Independent kingdom down the ages, subject in the 19th century to pressure
from Russia and Britain. Absolute rule gave place to constitutional
government in 1906. Iran was adopted as the official name of the country
on 21 March 1935. The former Anglo-Iranian Oil Company was nationalized in
1951 and the supply of oil became an international issue. In 1979
revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini forced the Shah into exile.

Postal History
The swift courier posts of the ancient Persian Empire were praised by
Herodotus. These were an improvement on an earlier Assyrian model and
inspired those of the Romans.

Russian POs operated in 1909-18 in northern Persia, using stamps of
Russia. All are rare; cancellations have been identified from Ardebil,
Tabriz, Gumbad-i-Kabuz, and Maku.

Bushire

CURRENCY

As Iran.

While under British occupation had separate stamps 15 August - 16 October
1915. During this period, Bushire was considered to be part of the British
Empire and the Imperial Penny rate was in use. Bushire was returned to
Persia on 4 November 1915.

Armenia

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1919.

CURRENCY

1919, as Russia.

Once a kingdom with a dynasty claiming descent from Solomon, Armenia has
been in turn subject to Persians, Seljuks, Byzantines, Mongols, Turks and
Russians. Russia extended its hold at the expense of Turkey in 1878. The
Armenians proclaimed their independence on 28 May 1918, were ruthlessly
attacked by the Turks, but regained independence after the Allied victory.
Batum (see below) was placed under British occupation, but Kars and
Ardahan were again lost to Turkish arms. National and Communist
governments succeeded one another until on 2 April 1921 Communist forces
entered Erivan and set up a Soviet republic.

On 12 March 1922 Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were federated, but each
continued to have separate stamps until, on 1 October 1923, these were
replaced by a general issue for the Transcaucasian Federation.

Batum

CURRENCY

As Russia.

Armenian port on the Black Sea and the gateway to Transcaucasia. Turkish
before 1878, it was ceded to Russia, who extended to it the Transcaucasian
Railway from Baku and Tiflis.

Became an important oil pipe terminal in 1903. Was recaptured by the Turks
in April 1918 and came under British occupation December 1918 - 6 July
1920. Handed to the Republic of Georgia, it was again seized by the Turks
for a few days in March 1921. The Georgians retook it and surrendered it
to the invading Bolsheviks. It is now part of the Georgian SSR. Pacific.

Batum seems never to have had a Turkish PO;
a PA of ROPiT was in existence from before 1862 to 1877.
Used stamps of Russia 1863-4.
Used stamps of Russian Levant (ROPiT) 1865-77.
Used stamps of Russia 1878-1918.
Separate stamps (during British occupation) 1919 - July 1920.

Azerbaijan

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1919.

CURRENCY

1919, as Russia.

A once independent princedom split between Russia and Persia. The October
Revolution in Russia occasioned a new bid for independence on 27 May 1918.
Soviet troops invaded on 27 April 1920 and set up a Communist regime. See
also Armenia.

Georgia

FIRST STAMPS 26 May 1919.

CURRENCY

1919, as Russia.

Once a kingdom with a history similar to that of Armenia, Georgia came
under the Turks and Russians in turn. On 26 May 1918 it declared
independence but was occupied by the Red Army in 1921. See also Armenia.

Transcaucasian Federation

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 15 September 1923.

CURRENCY

1923, as Russia.

Federation of the Soviet republics of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
established on 12 March 1922, but absorbed into the USSR on 6 July 1923.

Postal services were centralized on 1 October 1922. Used stamps of USSR
from 1924.